No need to wait for the season of tricks and treats to get a kick of that adrenaline rush from being scared. Los Angeles is full of rich history—which also means it carries quite the haunting past—from the good, the bad to just downright creepy.
Below is our perfectly curated list haunted locations in the city you can visit—as recommended by our favorite spooky expert Ansley AKA Spooky Foodie on TikTok and Instagram. Do you dare scroll? 👻
1. El Cid
Before El Cid was the iconic Flamenco venue we know today, it lived several past lives. About 100 years ago, it was a café up until 1932 when it was bought out. It turned into the Gateway Theatre before becoming the Cabaret Concert Theatre between 1950 and 1961, which served as a favorite nightspot for Hollywood producers, talent scouts, agents, and celebrities. Then come December 7th, 1962, Flamenco dancers Juan Talavera and Margarita Cordova, along with her husband Clark Allen, opened a venue that exists today: El Cid. Today, they’re known for their incredible dining and events that still hold true to their roots, as they still hold on to their decades-old flamenco show every weekend.
With such a range of history, it’s no wonder why there is so much energy felt by El Cid workers. Security guards and managers have reported eerie experiences like the flamenco dolls on display moving themselves from case to case, and even have felt watched by the dolls. Reportedly, you can even catch one of the dolls breathing as her eyes follow you around the room. Don’t believe us? Seems like you’ll just have to see it for yourself…
Location: 4212 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
2. The Viper Room
The infamous Viper Room has quite the dark past. During the ’50s and ’60s, the venue was known as a jazz club called The Melody Room. It was often frequented by mobsters Bugsy Siegel and Mickey Cohen, and it’s said that they allegedly may have taken care of some hits. The energy in the Viper Room can be so heavy, that patrons and workers have passed out at the same exact spot near the bar. That’s not all though. The famous Ghost Adventures paid the club a visit and during their investigation ticket operator Rita shared her spooky experience with the ghost-hunting team.
“I’ve had my hair yanked, a hand on my leg. Oh yeah, they’re grabby, the guy ghosts,” she expressed. “But there’s a chick ghost too, she was texting me once from a dead number. I’d talk out loud to her, and she’d text me a response. She was mad that I couldn’t see her.”
Location: 8852 West Sunset BLVD, West Hollywood, CA 90069
3. Musso & Franks
A common trope in Los Angeles is that you’re bound to run into someone famous… but apparently that includes ghostly celebrities too. This Hollywood establishment has been around since 1919, and has served celebrities from the Golden Era like Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra to modern day stars like Norman Reedus. A lot has changed since then, but this long-standing restaurant has managed to remain the same.
Not many businesses have the fortune of sticking around in a city that’s always moving. Being loved by locals and the stars, it’s no surprise to us that Musso and Frank Grill has quite the notable hauntings. It’s said that Charlie Chaplin himself haunts the restaurant and still sits at his regular booth: #1 in the Old Room. Staff have also reported noises in the kitchen when no one is there along with plates and glasses falling. If you’ve ever wanted to dine with a ghost, this historic spot is for you.
Location: 6667 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
4. Sassafras Saloon
Inspired by the old west, this unique bar will transport you to a haunted house full of authentic vintage relics, that seem hold on to their past and have spirits attached to them. Their most famous ghost known as “The Woman Of The Bar” haunts the Sassafras Saloon and said she keeps an eye on guests. Other spirits are often mischievous with waitstaff. If you feel like getting teased by a ghost or two, with a cocktail in hand, this one is for you.
Location: 1233 N. Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA 90038
5. Canters Deli
This spot has been serving Angelenos since 1931, in fact, it was one of Marilyn Monroe’s favorite place in L.A. Although the original location moved from Boyle Heights to Fairfax, it seems it has still has carried its past with it. Rumor has it, ghosts of past waitstaff can be spotted here. Some have even reported being touched and pushed by unseen entities.
Location: 417 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
6. Clifton’s Bar & Basement
The history of Clifton’s Republic can be traced decades upon decades, all the way down to the Great Depression Era. Clifford Clinton created his cafeteria chain with a “pay-what-you-wish” principle, never turning someone hungry away. Today, it’s a beloved restaurant and night-life bar.
Staff members have experienced a range of unexplainable phenomenons like ghost sightings, smells, and temperature changes. It is even rumored that Clifoton’s lifelong mistress’ ashes were scattered at the cafeteria. While the restaurant was being restored in 2015, people reported seeing the mistress time and time again.
Location: 648 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014
7. Hollywood Toys & Costumes
Found right on the Walk of Fame, this iconic shop first opened its doors in 1950 by the Ellowitz family. They saw a need for a toy store in the community and thus Hollywood’s Largest Toy Shop was born. Sometime in 1970, a tragic fire in the building occurred and several people lost their lives. Jump to 1980, a new family was given the opportunity to continue the store’s legacy and the Moazzez family took on this honor.
What they didn’t know was the spirits it came with it. It’s said that those who lost their lives still haunt the building. HT&C workers often have the bloodcurdling feeling of being watched and some have even been reportedly pushed.
Location: 6600 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028,
8. Yamashiro
This incredible Japanese restaurant sitting above Hollywood Boulevard is known for its beautiful views and delicious sushi. It also reportedly comes with some paranormal sights as well. The previous owner, David O. Glover, bought the property in 1948, and it’s said his ashes were spread on Yamashiro grounds. Staff have reported hearing voices and seeing David O. Glover spirit.
Location:1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
9. Whisky a Go Go
No doubt the Whisky a Go Go is full of musical history, and in the paranormal world, music holds a lot of energy. In a ghost hunting session, Spooky Foodie reportedly spoke with that spirit of a drummer who performed at the venue years ago and still visits in the afterlife.
Location: 8901 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
10. Philippe’s The Original
Philippe The Original is one of the most beloved and oldest restaurants found in Los Angeles. The restaurant was first established in 1908 by a French immigrant, Philippe Mathieu, who was known for his famous sandwiches. However, the real story of Philippe’s begins in 1918 when a total happy accident occurred. It is said that one fine day an officer walked in and asked for a sandwich. While making the sandwich, Mathieu accidentally dropped the French bread into the flavorful meat juices found in the oven. The rest is history, but that’s not the only past the restaurant has.
Before it became the historic spot we know it as, the building housed so called hotel brothel. Current employees have reported smelling perfume and pushed by an entity. Lights have turned on and off before them with no one in the room. A woman, thought to be a lady of the night, has been seen in her red dress as she makes her way upstairs.
Location: 1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
11. Morrison Hotel (Not open to the public)
This abandoned building is found in Downtown Los Angeles. Although no one is allowed in it, passerby’s and parking attendants have seen unexplained shadow figures looking out of the windows. Whether you’re visiting the building or simply walking by, treat it with respect… because someone just might be watching.
Location: 1246 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90015 (Not open to the public)
12. Idle Hour
The historic whisky barrel-shaped structure was first built in 1941 and owned by a woman named Delores. It’s said that her spirit still haunts and overlooks the Idle Hour. Many workers have reported unexplained noises, footsteps, and shadows. If you’re looking to have a drink with a spirit, this is the spot.
Location: 4824 Vineland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 91601
13. Hank’s Dive Bar
For more haunted spots in Los Angeles, check out Spooky Foodie on Instagram and TikTok!